Central EFC
Our LPD Church of the Week
Please pray for Pastor Dave (Lydia) Koleba as they provide servant-leadership, and for the leaders and congregation, as they seek to reach the people God has placed them in the midst of in Courtenay and Comox. Pray for them as they provide worship services both “live” and online, and prepare for fall ministry.
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Of Cobwebs, COVID and Conflict
In speaking to pastors, church leaders and congregations, I hear a variety of emotions and opinions regarding ministry within and “post” COVID. As much as we may have missed gathering physically together, many of us have become accustomed to “virtual church.”
Patterns have changed. Some people have developed different routines for Sundays. One can “attend” church over a brunch, or even “catch it” over supper, or while camping for that matter. Pastors may have become accustomed to preaching to a camera on Wednesdays, only to watch themselves on Sunday. Sundays used to be something of the apex of one’s week of ministry, and over COVID, it may have become a quiet day at home with family.
As churches have been allowed to “re-open,” several pastors speak to me of feeling somewhat “rusty” in preaching live – there may be cobwebs to be removed – both physically in our churches, and mentally in our minds.
Perhaps most challenging for many church leaders is to navigate the diversity of opinion and information regarding COVID protocol and safety. We all deal with a range of opinion from those who dismiss COVID to those who fear that we are facing endless waves of virus. Some in our churches have been “fully vaccinated,” while others deny the need for vaccinations. Some will not attend church without a mask requirement, while others will not attend until masks are no longer worn. Some will line up to attend church physically, while others plan to attend church virtually for the foreseeable future. It may seem impossible to please everyone – not that we should!
We are not the first generation of Christians to be divided over customs, history and opinion. This was the case in the first generation of churches, as Jews and Gentiles, separated by race, custom and religion for centuries were brought together in Christ to form one church. While there was much to disagree about between customs, diet and “holy days,” they were urged to focus on what united them rather that what divided them.
As the Jerusalem Council convened to consider whether or not Gentiles must be circumcised and obey to the Law of Moses in order to be accepted as fellow Christians, the conclusion was that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by “by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. As an outcome, the following letter was written to Gentile churches: (Acts 15:24-29).
We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.
Farewell.
As we navigate COVID and beyond in our local churches today, let’s keep our eyes on what matters – our Lord and our shared mission.
Here are a couple of articles that might encourage you as you consider ministering when there is COVID Conflict and the value of meeting together. You may wish to use these for discussion in your church:
5 Reminders for When Church Members Get Divisive:
reminders-for-when-church-members-get-divisive
There’s No Such Thing as a Virtual Church:
no-virtual-church
Whether you are dealing with cobwebs, COVID or conflict, we are here to be alongside, and an encouragement and resource to you and you church.
My prayer for your church is that of Paul for the Church at Rome. He prayed:
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:5-7).
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BC COVID-19 Policy Updates:
To summarize: There are no capacity limits or restrictions on indoor or outdoor religious gatherings and worship services“
Important News regarding the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program, and the last period will be Period 20 (September 2021). It has been replaced with the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
The government will be wrapping up the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program, and the last period will be Period 20 (September 2021). It has been replaced with the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) and so far, it is extended to Period 22. As a non-profit, churches qualify as employees for CRHP.
For more information can be found at:
recovery-hiring-program/crhp-compare-cews.html
For assistance or to answer questions, please contact Josephine at the district office.
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Upcoming Dates to Mark on Your Calendars:
Journey Canada Free Webinar
The Disintegration of Sexuality in Modern Culture
Tuesday, August 24 from 10 to 11 AM.
Register at: http://www.journeycanada.org/webinar
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LPD/EFCC Orientation
Monday, September 27
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at the new EFCC Office on the campus of TWU
This is a requirement for all pastors and staff pursuing credentialing and/or ordination with the EFCC
– watch for details in the weeks to come.
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“Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Intelligence”
Sherman Lau, a member of Fort Langley EFC who has served with Mission Central will be teaching a course at Pacific Life Bible College this fall. This course will be helpful for anyone interested in developing their intercultural competency. Classes will be held on Friday, 8:30-11:15AM (the registrar may possibly change it to Wed or Thursday evening). For information, please contact Sherman at: slau@pacificlife.edu
The course may be taken for Credit or Audit.
